Xerox spins off pioneering lab

17 Jun 2002

The Palo Alto Research Centre will become an independent 'innovation laboratory' on January 1 2002.

US company Xerox is to spin off its research laboratory, which is regarded as the birthplace of the laser printer. The move is part of the company's restructuring plans amid financial difficulties.

The Palo Alto Research Centre (PARC) is expected to begin operating as an independent company on January 1 2002, initially wholly owned by its parent company. Xerox says that it is currently in discussions with "key potential investors".

Current optics-related projects at PARC include: development of blue and near-ultraviolet semiconductor lasers; micro-optical electromechanical systems based on silicon for use in displays; and optical switching subsystems for telecoms applications.

Hervé Gallaire, president of the Xerox Innovation Group, said: "The current PARC organization will be the nucleus of the new company, but we intend to augment it with business development and management functions. We have developed a model that will preserve the culture and innovative capacity of PARC."

Gallaire added that the search is on for a chief executive officer from outside PARC.